Mpox claims another child's life in Sindh, this year's death toll rises to 12

Another child died of mpox in Karachi on Saturday, taking the number of deaths caused by the viral infection in Sindh this year to 12, as health authorities reported seven new cases over the past week and intensified surveillance, contact tracing and treatment measures.

According to Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital spokesperson Rashid Khan, the child, a resident of Karachi, was being treated in the hospital in NIPA for monkeypox and passed away during treatment, further revealed that the patient had been transferred to the facility from a private hospital a few days earlier.

Khan said the total number of mpox cases reported in Sindh has climbed to 98.

The Express Tribune contacted Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital Regal Additional Director and consultant dermatologist Dr Abdullah Yahya to learn about the disease.

Read: Sindh reports two more monkeypox cases, tally rises to 98

Dr Yahya cautioned that mpox was a contagious viral disease that could spread through close physical contact with an infected person, including direct contact with skin lesions, blisters and sores.

“The virus could also be transmitted through contaminated clothing, towels, bedding and other personal belongings used by an infected person,” he said, while stressing the need to avoid contact with contaminated items and affected persons.

Dr Yahya also emphasised the importance of early diagnosis, isolating infected individuals and following medical advice to prevent further transmission.

“Mpox can affect both children and adults, although the severity of the illness varies from person to person. Infants, people with weakened immune systems and those suffering from other underlying medical conditions may face a higher risk of severe illness and complications,” the skin doctor outlined.

He also underscored the common symptoms of the virus, saying it includes fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes and unusual skin rashes, blisters or sores.

According to Dr Yahya, suspected and confirmed patients should be kept separate under medical supervision, with appropriate infection-prevention measures in place.

Most patients can recover with appropriate medical care and monitoring, he said, adding that immediate medical attention was necessary if severe symptoms developed.

Karachi reports highest number of cases

According to figures available with the provincial health department, Karachi has recorded the highest number of mpox cases in Sindh, with 26 infections reported.

Khairpur has reported 22 cases, followed by Sukkur with nine and Hyderabad with five. Ghotki, Kashmore and Shaheed Benazirabad have recorded three cases each.

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Men account for approximately 73% of reported cases, while women make up the remaining 27%.

Hospital sealed over infection-control concerns

Separately, the Sindh Healthcare Commission has sealed Ibn-e-Hasan Hospital in Malir 15, Karachi, following concerns over infection-prevention arrangements after a laboratory report confirmed mpox in a 20-day-old newborn.

According to information available to The Express Tribune, the infant had undergone circumcision at the hospital.

The case has raised concerns about the implementation of infection-control protocols at healthcare facilities, particularly the sterilisation of medical instruments and the use of proper sterile procedures during treatment.

Health authorities have stepped up efforts to identify and monitor close contacts of infected patients to prevent further spread of the virus.

Patients being treated at government hospitals are being provided with medical care, while public and private healthcare facilities have been directed to follow prescribed infection-prevention measures and use appropriate protective equipment when examining and treating suspected cases.

Health experts have also advised the public to maintain good hygiene, avoid direct contact with the lesions, blisters and sores of suspected or confirmed patients, and refrain from sharing their personal items, particularly towels, clothes, and bedding.